Two brands, one DNA, one common goal, "to redefine modern, sporty and sustainable luxury. The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air offers the same exceptional performance and luxury experience as our sports cars," says Lutz Meschke, member of the Porsche Executive Board. What both have in common are quality and design standards at the highest level. "It's all or nothing," summarises Porsche E-Boat Project Manager Philip Ruckert as he explains the background to the maritime high-speed cooperation.
"Our ambition was clear from the start. If we decide to take to the water, then only with competent partners, full commitment and a product that sets standards both technically and visually". The result is the Frauscher X Porsche 850 Fantom Air.
Cockpit in Porsche look, drive from the next Macan
Overall, the design is simple and familiar. The cockpit features five round instruments with a large rev counter in the centre, driving mode switches labelled "Sport" and "Sport+" and the black, red and gold emblem with a rising horse on the steering wheel hub: Porsche!
Despite the outstanding technology, the engine compartment has a tidy appearance. All you can see is a simple engine cover with Porsche lettering. Visually unexciting. The dimensions only become clear when you look at the key data: 800 volts operating voltage, 400 kW maximum power, 170 kW continuous power, 100 kWh battery capacity and a DC charging capacity of more than 250 kW (AC 11kW) speak for themselves. These are top values.
Contrary to expectations, the electric drive unit does not come from any of the previous Porsche models. "For the Frauscher X Porsche, we deliberately opted for a new drive from the upcoming Macan generation," explains Ruckert. "The performance data of the new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) drive technology, which will not be available on the road until next season, is perfect for use on boats."
More than an hour of gliding
Now to the practice. We cast off and take the slightly choppy Lake Garda under the keel at two to three Beaufort. Even in the harbour it becomes clear that the Frauscher x Porsche Fantom is easy to manoeuvre. With turning circles of 1.5 boat lengths to either side, the Mercuiser Bravo 3XR drive and the bow thruster, she can be steered precisely in the tightest of spaces.
At 1200 rpm, we reach the theoretical hull speed of just under 7 knots. Thanks to 800 V high-voltage technology, the power consumption at this speed is a manageable 20 A, which corresponds to a range of around 80 km.
We accelerate almost silently to planing speed. This is reached at around 17 knots (2500 rpm). At this speed, 110 amps flow through the cables and we could cross Lake Garda twice at its widest point (17 km). The 100 kWh battery enables a gliding time of over an hour.
In sharp bends, the hull slides safely over its longitudinal axis, and the lateral forces that occur are always manageable for the driver and crew.
It gets sporty at higher speeds
If you accelerate further, things get sporty. Between 3500 rpm and a maximum of 5000 engine revolutions, the Fantom stepped hull shows what it can do. Trimmed flat, it lies well on the water and the 0.5 metre waves that prevailed on the test day do not affect the rough ride. Any spray is deflected to the side. Driver and crew stay dry.
If the boat is pulled in ever tighter circles at a fast planing speed (30 knots), it only leans slightly to one side and brakes until the sterndrive ventilates.
At full load, the 12-inch multifunction display shows a speed of 44 knots and the power consumption reaches an impressive 445 amps. To get every last knot of speed out of the Fantom, we trim Mercruiser's Bravo-3XR drive higher (3/4 on the display) and reach the power limit at 45 knots.
V8 and electric motor with almost identical values
The 400 kW Porsche engine could do more, but is not allowed to. To avoid thermal overload, there is a self-imposed speed limit. At 180 degrees engine temperature, the limit is reached and the engine is shut down. The comparison with the V8 version of the Fantom shows that she also reaches her limit at 45 knots. This puts both boats on an equal footing.
The acceleration is also almost identical. At 14.5 seconds (e-boat) compared to 15 seconds (V8), both manage the sprint from zero to 50 km/h comparably quickly, even in rough seas.
And what about the range under full load? No miracles are to be expected here, but interesting figures. With a theoretical range of 23 kilometres at full throttle, the Frauscher x Porsche Fantom could cross Lake Garda in 12 minutes. It could, if it weren't for the safety limitations of the Porsche engineers and the local regulations, which allow a maximum speed of 20 knots on Lake Garda.
Frauscher X Porsche 850 Fantom Air - the conclusion
Let's summarise. The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air fulfils the expectations placed on it.
Both the boat and the drive are what you would expect from the names Frauscher and Porsche. Both are extremely sporty, well harmonised, safe in handling and present themselves in the best quality of workmanship. And sustainable. At least locally...
Technical data Frauscher X Porsche 850 Fantom Air
Boat
- Shipyard: Frauscher /AT
- Type:Frauscher X Porsche 850 Fantom Air
- CE category/persons: C/9
- Length over everything:8,67 m
- Width:2,49 m
- Weight: 2,8 t
- Max. speed: 45 kn
- Base price: 668,423 Euro
- Contact: www.frauscherboats.com
Engine
- TypePermanent magnet synchronous electric machine (PSM)
- Max. output: 400 kW
- Continuous performance: 170 kW
- Battery type:Lithium-ion high-voltage battery
- Battery capacity: 100 kWh
- Charging power DC: 250 kW
- Charging power AC:11 kW
- Z-drive: Mercruiser Bravo 3 Xr
